Assistant Environmental Compliance Specialist

Recruitment #11-2068-02
Date Opened 11/30/2011 12:00:00 PM
Filing Deadline 12/27/2011 5:00:00 PM
Salary $2,847.20 - $3,299.20/biweekly; $6,168.93 - $7,148.27/month
Employment Type Permanent Full-Time Employment
HR Analyst Monique Hill
Work Location Hayward

Introduction
ALAMEDA COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY MISSION STATEMENT:
Enhance the quality of life for the people of Alameda County by providing a safe, well-maintained, and lasting public works infrastructure through accessible, responsive, and effective services.

THE PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY AT A GLANCE:
Public services provided by the Alameda County Public Works Agency include flood and storm water pollution control, transportation planning and design, roadway and flood control maintenance and inspection, and construction and building inspections.
The goals of the Agency are to keep roads safe and well maintained, provide the highest level of flood protection, provide service levels that optimize infrastructure life cycles, minimize deferred maintenance ensure that development and construction adhere to applicable State and County rules, optimize disaster preparedness, response and recover, ensure that the Agency's operations and services minimize negative impacts on the environment, and sustain and advance County and Agency programs through a vital business and administrative support system.

For more information about the Alameda County Public Works Agency, please visit their website at www.acgov.org\pwa.

DESCRIPTION
THE EXAMINATION:
THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION. The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended.
On-Line Applications must be submitted to the Alameda County Human Resource Services Department by the Last Day for Filing, Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 5:00 p.m.
Faxes and postmarks are not accepted.
PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY https://www.jobaps.com/Alameda/newregpages/termsofuse.asp?RecruitNum1=11&RecruitNum2=2068&RecruitNum3=02

POSITION DESCRITION
The Assistant Environmental Compliance Specialist series specification describes classifications which contain three options, Environmental, Water Resources and Arboriculture. Incumbents in the Environmental option conduct environmental studies, preparing and processing the associated documentation ensuring that projects and operations of the Public Works Agency comply with local, State, and Federal environmental laws and regulations; and perform other related duties. Incumbents of the Water Resources option perform duties including development and implementation of watershed management programs, processing of basic hydrologic data and information to ensure proper management of the Agency's water resources and water resource projects; plan, implement and lead programs to reduce storm water pollution; and perform other related duties. Incumbents of the Arboriculture option conduct urban forestry and closely related tree maintenance activities; and perform other related duties.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Assistant Environmental Compliance Specialist is the journey-level class in the Environmental Compliance Specialist series. Incumbents work independently on routine duties and under limited supervision on more complex assignments. The class is distinguished from the next higher class of Associate Environmental Compliance Specialist in that the latter class acts in a lead capacity, assigning, coordinating and reviewing the work of assigned staff.

Environmental Option:
Incumbents normally work independently on routine environmental analysis, environmental document preparation and processing, regulatory permits, mitigation planning and monitoring, biological and/or physical science assessments and surveys, design team studies, and public relations.
Water Resources Option:
Incumbents normally carry out water resources activities in such areas as watershed management, surface water, ground water, rainfall, or special studies as required. Work may involve review of water resources related studies or legislation that impacts the County. Responsibilities include assisting in environmental compliance program activities to ensure compliance with regulations, conducting water quality studies and preparing technical studies and required regulatory reports.
Arboriculture Option:
Incumbents normally work independently in administering and enforcing the Tree Ordinance and all phases of the Urban Forestry Program

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Either I
Experience:
The equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Junior Environmental Compliance Specialist in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, and the Hospital Authority.)

Or II
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in the biological, physical, or environmental sciences; engineering or a related field such as hydrology, soils, urban or regional planning, natural resources, geography, environmental studies, ecology, , horticulture or forestry,

AND
Experience:
The equivalent of three years of full-time experience working independently on routine duties and under limited supervision on complex assignments that involve preparing and processing documents or conducting technical studies for compliance with environmental regulation and laws, and/or in conducting water resources activities and/or conducting urban forestry or closely related tree maintenance activities. (A Master's degree in one of the above curricula may be substituted for one year of experience.)

License:
All levels in the class series must possess a valid State of California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
Certification – Arboriculture Option:
Possession of a current Arborist certificate from the International Society of Arboriculture.
NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above minimum qualifications in the announcement of an examination.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS KNOWLEDGE OF:
• College level natural and physical science.
• Basic photography, drafting and graphic arts.
• Tree diseases, pests and methods of treatment.
• Inspection techniques.
• Principles and practices of environmental compliance.
• Local, State and Federal environmental laws, and/or surface water quality, and regulations and their implementation as they pertain to the Public Works Agency and Alameda County.
• Methods of environmental assessment and mitigation, and/or water quality assessment.
• Basic engineering design and construction, contracts and agreements.
• Public Works Agency policies and procedures and the administration of local government.
• General principles of geology, hydrology, climatology, ecology, archeology, biology, botany, chemistry, arboriculture, horticulture or urban forestry.
• Storm water and drainage facilities.
• Basic word processing and spread sheet computer use.
• Customer service/public relations practices.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO:
• Research, organize and write clear and concise reports and correspondence (may include environmental impact reports).
• Read and interpret topographic maps, construction and engineering drawings, and technical reports in a variety of fields.
• Conduct special studies and field investigations independently or as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
• Coordinate environmental planning, habitat restoration, natural resources management and conservation planning activities and services.
• Request, coordinate, and evaluate input from public agencies, private organizations, and individuals.
• Make oral presentations before groups.
• Use effective interpersonal skills to handle questions and criticism from various sources.
• Reach collaborative solutions, using problem-solving skills.
• Review and interpret legislation and regulations.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees and the public.
• Conduct research and analysis of projects.
• Coordinate, organize, prioritize and schedule activities.

EXAMINATION COMPONENTS
The examination will consist of the following steps:
1.A review of applications to verify possession of minimum requirements. Those applicants who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process, a screening for best qualified.
2.Candidates considered, "BEST QUALIFIED", will move forward to the next step in the examination process, an oral interview.
3.The final step in the examination process, the oral interview, will be weighted as 100% of the candidate's final examination score. The oral interview may contain situational exercises.
Candidates must attain a qualifying rating of each portion of this examination.
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS.
Selection Plan
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT PLAN:
**Recruitment Closes (LDF) - 12/27/11; 5:00 p.m.
**Screening of Applications for Minimum Qualifications - 01/3/2012
**Screening for Best Qualified - 01/13/2012
**Oral Interviews (weighted at 100% of final score) - 01/25/2012
**Promulgation of Eligible List - 02/08/2012
**Departmental Hiring Interviews - To Be Scheduled After Promulgation of Eligible List
*WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PLAN.
BENEFITS
ABOUT THE COUNTY
Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county. The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion. Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city. One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas. As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens. The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles. The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.
BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS
MEDICAL PLANS
The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans. The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO. The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.
DENTAL PLANS
The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to $1,450 per year. The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.
VISION BENEFIT
The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees. The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses. The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents. In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay.
A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.
COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS
The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification. These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums. The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses.
HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.
DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.
LIFE INSURANCE
The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.
COMMUTER BENEFITS
For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.
HOLIDAYS
Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.
VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY
Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents. This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.
DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT
Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.
LONG TERM CARE
This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.
RETIREMENT
The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act systems. The County’s retirement is based on one’s age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County’s portion vesting after five years of employment.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773. To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process. (510) 272-3703 (TDD)
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100. In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated. Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification. Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment. A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment. Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment. For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.
Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.